Introduction

Through evidence-based research, it has been determined that rewards can often have the same detrimental psychological effect on children as punishments or consequences. At Acres Hill, we have therefore built a system that involves a team approach, developing an intrinsic motivation to behave, through teaching children how to behave rather than conditioning their behaviour.

Acres Attributes

Whole Class Rewards

Each class will have their own in-class system for general behaviour in school. This should be based on the everyday things that we expect children to be doing all the time, e.g. being ready to learn; sitting smartly in assembly; holding doors open for people; tidying the classroom etc.

A whole class system will be prominently displayed, so the class can instantly be rewarded for the actions (and others) highlighted above. This will encourage pupils to continue displaying these ‘always behaviours’ as they will earn up to 30 minutes of 'Golden Time' on a Friday afternoon between 2:45pm-3:15pm. This time is linked to areas of personal development and the activities are chosen by the class teacher to develop values and skills in each child. 

Year groups can work towards unlocking their class Attributes shields when they have demonstrated their behaviours and values aligned with the Key Stage descriptor of their year group.

Individual Rewards

Children who display the Acres Attributes consistently can individually be rewarded with their own individual Attributes badge and certificate in each Attributes area during our termly Attributes assembly throughout the year.

Parents and members of the community can also nominate a child in school for a 'Community Champion' award. This award is to recognise individuals who are demonstrating our Acres Attributes within their homes and communities. The winners of this award are chosen by School Council members who come together, read the nominations and discuss which child is EYFS/KS1 and KS2 embody the Acres Attributes.